Ignorance is the enemy of good policy

South Australia considers nuclear industry potential The Labor government in South Australia is setting up a royal commission into the potential for nuclear power in the state, which already produces two thirds of Australia’s uranium – all for export. The terms of reference are likely to include fuel cycle and high-level waste disposal. The inquiry is supported by the state Liberal opposition and the federal Liberal coalition government, but not by the federal Labor party (though it supports uranium mining). However a former Labor Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, has been vocal in support: “I’ve always said that ignorance is the enemy of good policy and a royal commission will establish discussion free of prejudice,’’ he said. The commission is to be headed by former governor of South Australia Kevin Scarce, who said that he had an open mind on the issue. Draft terms of reference are due to be released in March. A previous Liberal coalition federal government commissioned a high-level inquiry into nuclear power and it reported positively in 2006. Its chairman, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, said that the new inquiry was “timely for a number of reasons” and that “nuclear power still offers the greatest option in providing cost-effective, clean, base-load energy”. WNN 9/215. Australia